OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)

OCI stands for Overseas Citizens of India, a status introduced by the government in 2005 through the Citizenship Amendment Act. Indian citizens living abroad began to advocate for dual citizenship, prompting the government to introduce the OCI card as a solution. The OCI card grants Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) lifetime visa-free entry into India. Since this card provides so many benefits to its holders, it became famous among the NRIs sooner. The foreign individuals who were Indian citizens at the time or after January 26, 1950, are eligible to apply for an OCI card. 

Benefits of OCI Card

There are several benefits that an OCI card offers, such as: 

• It allows individuals to have a lifelong visa to India, they can take multiple entries, and stay there as long as they want. 
• They do not have to make any foreign registration or inform any higher authorities to extend their stay. 
• They can enjoy all the economic, financial, and educational benefits from the government and also from the private sector. It excludes the acquisition of agricultural and plantation properties. 
• They get similar airfare charges for the domestic flights as the Indians. 

How to Apply for OCI Card?

You can follow these steps to apply for an OCI card:

• Log in to the official OCI services portal online.
• Fill out the OCI application form for the OCI card.
• Upload a photograph and all the documents that are mentioned on the website. 
• Pay the OCI card fees and then click on submit. 

This is the whole process to apply for an OCI card online, and you will also get an ID number through which you can check the OCI application status and OCI card status on the online website. You can also apply for the OCI renewal in case of damage or loss.